I never thought I would ever get a tattoo, it just wasn’t something that interested me. However, when I came across Jay Freestyle’s stunning work, everything changed. Originally from Johannesburg and now living in Amsterdam, he is revolutionizing the world of tattoo art with his innovative mix of graphic design, watercolor, and abstract freehand skills. Watch the video below to witness his amazing talent in action.
I was never really into getting a tattoo, but that all changed when I stumbled upon the incredible work of Jay Freestyle. His artistic talent is truly one-of-a-kind and mesmerizing, inspiring me to share his work with others. Jay, also known as Jonathan Hong, made the switch from being a piercer and painter to a tattoo artist about six years ago. His tattoos are deeply moving and fantastical, but there’s a twist – you have to be willing to be his canvas. While my friends were in awe of his skills, I was the only one brave enough to volunteer to be inked by him, despite having just one small tattoo myself. Jay’s creativity truly shines through as he crafts unique pieces straight from his imagination, lovingly referring to his clients as ‘collectors’. After my initial post about him gained widespread attention, Jay extended an invitation for me to visit his studio in Amsterdam for a surprise tattoo session. Without hesitation, I booked my flights, fully aware that I wouldn’t see the design until it was permanently etched onto my skin. Jay values his creative freedom and I was more than willing to trust in his vision for my next ink masterpiece.
I asked for orchids to be included in my tattoo design, but the final outcome was a delightful surprise once it was permanently etched into my skin.
We stuck to the usual routine of slipping into our bikinis before delving into a marathon three-hour brainstorming session for our tattoo concept. There was no doubt in my mind, no second thoughts – I was bubbling with anticipation for the upcoming tattoo experience. Skipping ahead five months from my initial musings, I ended up at the tattoo studio clutching onto just a single image of pink orchids as inspiration for the design.
He had big plans for the tattoo, wanting it to reach from my shoulder all the way down to my bottom. However, I wasn’t too keen on that idea and firmly declined. After changing into a bikini as he asked, we spent three hours discussing the design of the tattoo. Jay meticulously searched for orchid images online and browsed through graphic files on his laptop quietly. He then started sketching and outlining the design on my body without much talking, leaving me to simply watch rather than give input on the process. I could only suggest changes or ask for adjustments if I felt unsure about the direction. For example, when Jay suggested adding jewelry on my hip, I asked to tone down the geometric shapes and keep it looking natural without using pointillism. He argued that the jewel was essential for visual harmony, so we went ahead with his idea. Despite his initial plan to cover my whole side from shoulder to bottom, I stood my ground and compromised, settling for two orchids on my stomach with a bit extending onto the ribs but not the entire side.
He started with the delicate jewel tattoo, then moved on to the flower below without any issues. The first four hours of tattooing went smoothly – the jewel and lower flower were bearable. However, when it came to the upper flower on my front ribs, the pain was intense and it took an hour to finish, but I managed to hold back tears. The real challenge came when he started on the butterfly wing on the back of my ribcage, extending the design with paint splashes creeping towards my armpit. The pain felt like sharp scratches digging into my skin, resulting in a few tears and possibly a scream or two. Although it’s recommended not to tattoo ribs for more than three hours at once, time constraints forced us to continue. Despite my tears, I was told I handled the pain well, even though I felt like a crybaby. Midway through, I asked to see the incomplete tattoo, but Jay refused, stating that he hadn’t finalized the design yet. This refusal made me anxious, considering this artwork would be permanently on my body. More concerns arose when I questioned the size of the paint splashes, asking Jay to stop the design from escalating further. He was not pleased with my request, as he already had a clear vision for how the composition should look. It became evident that I wasn’t fully prepared for the full tattooing journey.
He asked me about the colors I liked and made sure to include them in his project.
The moment he tattooed the delicate butterfly wing on my ribcage, it touched me deeply and made me emotional.
The sensation of the paint splatters reaching all the way up to my armpit felt like a rough and scratchy touch against my skin.
The item was huge, shrouded in darkness. It stood prominently, speckled with tiny lights. I never consented to the addition of those dots.
He really took his time observing me, meticulously crafting something truly remarkable. By the end of the session, I was completely exhausted. I had barely eaten all day, only having a can of coke and some apricots after a big breakfast. It was already 9pm and I found myself crying uncontrollably, overwhelmed by pain and helplessness. Despite the fact that I knew what I was in for, I couldn’t control my emotions after spending so much time on the table and facing the brutal reality of it all. When I finally laid eyes on the finished piece, it was larger and darker than I had imagined, with dots included that I never agreed to. However, the beauty of the flowers in the tattoo brought me solace – the way the wing curved around my ribs and the orchid on my waistline, the chain delicately accentuating my hips, appearing both sexy and elegant. It wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned, but I ended up liking it. I had requested Jay to create a tattoo that would enhance my figure and give me a more feminine, curvy look. He jokingly remarked that most people usually want to look thinner and taller, not the other way around. Nonetheless, he delivered something truly unique and unexpected. Wearing Jay’s masterpiece on my skin makes me feel like a walking piece of art, specifically designed for me. It’s much larger than I initially planned, but only subtly visible from the front and back. I admire how it’s revealed when I move my arm or show my side. The emotional rollercoaster I experienced during the tattoo session is something that will stay with me forever. For more information, visit Jay’s website or Facebook page, with pricing available upon request. A big thank you to 360 Media Solutions for their help.
I love the little sneak peeks of it I catch from both the front and the back, it makes it even more mysterious and captivating to me.
